Communities benefitting from projects

Monday, 13 February 2012 07:30

KOTA KINABALU: Some RM1.2bil worth of projects under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) were awarded to benefit all communities in the state.

Sabah Economic Development and Investment Auhority chief executive Datuk Dr Yazakub Johari said the ongoing SDC projects included the Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre.

“Other projects were the various agriculture related or agripolitan schemesin Tongod, Pitas, Kemabong, Kota Belud and Beluran districts.

“All these have benefitted the poor especially the Kadazandusun and Murut communities.

The records are all there for everyone to see, especially the communal title holders who are the main beneficiary of these agropolitan projects,” he said.

Sedia, the state agency responsible for the implementation of the SDC projects had adopted a transparent approach in executing its duties.

“All SDC projects are funded by the federal government and they aretherefore subjected to stringent rules and procedures as stipulated in the Treasury Instructions,” Yaakub said.

Citing an example, he said all SDC projects were awarded through an open tender process with invitations to bid advertised in major local newspapers detailing specific requirements.

“Bidders are then subjected to a series of technical andfinancial evaluations by the various committees comprising members drawnfrom related government agencies.

“Only qualified bidders were shortlisted for the deliberation of Sedia tender boards,” he added.

On Tuesday, NGO KDM Malaysia vice president Datuk Peter Anthony had questioned SDC projects that are benefitting only certain groups.

He said local businessmen had complained that the SDC projects were awarded to certain Sarawakian companies resulting in Sabah contractors being sidelined.

From The Star